10545904

Detection of Displayport Alternate Mode Communication and Connector Plug Orientation Without Use of a Power Distribution Controller

PublishedJanuary 28, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
17 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method, comprising: determining, by a device, a DisplayPort mode by detecting a received signal on a first sideband use (SBU1) pin of the device or a second sideband use (SBU2) pin of the device; determining, by the device, an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug by detecting a type of the received signal; multiplexing, by a multiplexer, a DisplayPort transmission based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug; and multiplexing, by the multiplexer, the received signal based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to USB Type-C connector systems, specifically addressing the challenge of dynamically configuring DisplayPort transmission and signal routing based on connector orientation. The method involves a device that detects a signal on either the SBU1 or SBU2 pin of a USB Type-C connector to determine the active DisplayPort mode. The device then analyzes the signal type to identify the orientation of the plugged-in USB Type-C connector, whether standard or flipped. A multiplexer then routes the DisplayPort transmission and the received signal according to the detected orientation. This ensures proper signal routing regardless of how the connector is inserted, maintaining compatibility and functionality. The system automates the adjustment of signal paths, eliminating manual configuration and reducing errors in DisplayPort communication over USB Type-C interfaces. The solution is particularly useful in devices requiring flexible connectivity, such as laptops, monitors, and docking stations, where connector orientation may vary.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. A method, comprising: determining, by a device, a DisplayPort mode by detecting a received signal on a first sideband use (SBU1) pin of the device or a second sideband use (SBU2) pin of the device; determining, by the device, an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug; and multiplexing, by a multiplexer, a DisplayPort transmission based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing DisplayPort communication in a USB Type-C interface involves detecting the DisplayPort mode and the orientation of a connected USB Type-C connector plug. The device identifies the DisplayPort mode by monitoring signals received on either the SBU1 or SBU2 pins. The orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug is also determined, which affects how data is routed. A multiplexer then selectively routes DisplayPort transmissions based on the detected orientation, ensuring proper signal routing regardless of the connector's insertion direction. This approach allows for dynamic adaptation to different DisplayPort configurations and connector orientations, improving compatibility and reliability in USB Type-C devices that support DisplayPort over the interface. The method ensures that DisplayPort signals are correctly transmitted even when the connector is flipped, maintaining consistent performance in dual-role devices.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein detecting a received signal on a SBU1 pin of the device or a SBU2 pin of the device comprises detecting a pull up in either the SBU1 pin or the SBU2 pin.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to signal detection in electronic devices, specifically for identifying the presence of a received signal on specific pins (SBU1 or SBU2) of a device. The problem addressed is the need for reliable detection of signal presence on these pins, which are commonly used in communication interfaces such as USB Type-C. The solution involves detecting a pull-up condition on either the SBU1 or SBU2 pin, indicating the presence of a received signal. This detection method ensures proper communication and functionality between connected devices by confirming signal integrity. The pull-up detection is a key step in determining whether a valid signal is being received, which is critical for establishing and maintaining data transmission. The method may be part of a broader process for managing signal routing or configuration in a device, ensuring compatibility and proper operation with connected peripherals. The invention improves signal detection accuracy and reliability in electronic communication systems.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising multiplexing, by the multiplexer, the received signal based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for dynamically managing signal routing in a USB Type-C interface based on connector orientation. USB Type-C connectors support reversible plug orientation, requiring the host device to detect and adapt to the plug's orientation to ensure proper signal routing. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently routing signals in a USB Type-C interface by incorporating a multiplexer that dynamically adjusts signal paths based on the detected orientation of the connector plug. The system includes a connector orientation detection mechanism that identifies whether the plug is inserted in a standard or flipped orientation. The multiplexer then routes the received signals accordingly, ensuring correct transmission and reception of data and power signals regardless of plug orientation. This dynamic routing prevents signal misalignment, reduces the need for manual adjustments, and enhances the reliability of USB Type-C connections. The invention is particularly useful in devices requiring high-speed data transfer and stable power delivery, such as smartphones, laptops, and peripheral devices. By automating signal routing based on orientation, the system simplifies the design of USB Type-C interfaces while improving performance and user experience.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein determining an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug comprises determining an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug by detecting a type of the received signal.

Plain English Translation

A method for determining the orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug involves analyzing the type of signal received through the connector. USB Type-C connectors are reversible, meaning they can be inserted in either orientation, but the internal pin configuration changes based on the insertion direction. This method addresses the challenge of automatically detecting the correct orientation to ensure proper data and power transmission without manual intervention. By identifying the signal type, such as a configuration channel (CC) signal or a power delivery (PD) signal, the system can infer the plug's orientation. The method may involve comparing the detected signal characteristics, such as voltage levels or communication protocols, to predefined patterns associated with each possible orientation. This allows the connected device to dynamically adjust its operations, such as routing data lines or configuring power delivery, to match the detected orientation. The solution eliminates the need for mechanical or additional electrical components to determine orientation, simplifying the design while ensuring reliable connectivity. The method is particularly useful in portable electronics, docking stations, and other applications where USB Type-C is commonly used.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the device comprises one of the following: a source device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with a normal orientation; a source device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with an inverted orientation; a sink device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with a normal orientation; or a sink device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with an inverted orientation.

Plain English Translation

USB Type-C connectors are widely used for power and data transfer between devices, but their reversible design can lead to orientation-dependent power delivery issues. A method addresses this by configuring a device to operate as either a power source or a sink, regardless of the connector's orientation. The device may be a source device connected to a USB Type-C plug in either normal or inverted orientation, or a sink device connected in either orientation. This ensures consistent power delivery and data transfer functionality without requiring manual adjustments or additional hardware. The method dynamically adapts to the connector's orientation, maintaining compatibility with various power delivery protocols and ensuring reliable performance across different devices. This solution simplifies user experience by eliminating the need to check or adjust the plug's orientation for proper power transfer.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the device does not comprise a PD controller.

Plain English Translation

Technical Summary: This invention relates to a method for controlling a power conversion system, specifically addressing the challenge of managing power flow in systems where a traditional Proportional-Derivative (PD) controller is absent. The method involves regulating power conversion without relying on a PD controller, which is typically used to stabilize and optimize power transfer in systems like inverters, converters, or motor drives. Instead, the method employs alternative control strategies to achieve stable and efficient power conversion. These strategies may include adaptive control, model predictive control, or other advanced techniques that dynamically adjust system parameters to maintain performance without the need for a PD controller. The absence of a PD controller simplifies the system design, reduces component count, and potentially lowers costs while ensuring reliable power conversion. The method is particularly useful in applications where traditional PD control is impractical or where alternative control approaches offer superior performance. The invention focuses on maintaining system stability, efficiency, and responsiveness in power conversion tasks, such as in renewable energy systems, electric vehicle charging, or industrial power supplies.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A system, comprising: a device configured to: determine a DisplayPort mode by detecting a received signal on a first sideband use (SBU1) pin of the device or a second sideband use (SBU2) pin of the device; and determine an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug; and a multiplexer coupled to the device, the multiplexer configured to multiplex a DisplayPort transmission based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug.

Plain English Translation

This system relates to USB Type-C connector technology, specifically addressing the challenge of dynamically configuring DisplayPort transmission based on connector orientation and mode detection. The system includes a device that detects the DisplayPort mode by monitoring signals on either the SBU1 or SBU2 pins of the USB Type-C connector. The device also determines the physical orientation of the USB Type-C plug, which can be inserted in either a standard or flipped configuration. A multiplexer is coupled to the device and selectively routes DisplayPort transmissions based on the detected orientation and mode. This ensures proper signal routing regardless of connector insertion direction, enhancing compatibility and reliability in DisplayPort-over-USB Type-C implementations. The system automates the adaptation of DisplayPort signals to the connector's physical state, eliminating manual configuration and reducing potential signal integrity issues. The solution is particularly relevant for devices requiring flexible DisplayPort connectivity through reversible USB Type-C ports.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein detecting a received signal on a SBU1 pin of the device or a SBU2 pin of the device comprises detecting a pull up in either the SBU1 pin or the SBU2 pin.

Plain English Translation

A system for detecting signal conditions in a device, particularly for identifying the presence of a pull-up condition on specific pins, is described. The system operates within the domain of electronic communication interfaces, addressing the need to reliably detect signal states on dedicated pins to ensure proper device functionality and compatibility. The system includes a device with at least one pin, such as SBU1 or SBU2, configured to receive signals. The detection mechanism monitors these pins to identify a pull-up condition, which indicates a specific signal state or connection status. The system may also include a controller or processor that interprets the detected pull-up condition to determine the operational state of the device or its connected components. This detection process is crucial for applications requiring precise signal interpretation, such as in USB Type-C interfaces, where pin states influence power delivery and data communication. The system ensures accurate signal detection, enhancing device reliability and performance in various electronic applications.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the multiplexer is further configured to multiplex the received signal based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing signal routing in USB Type-C connections addresses the challenge of dynamically adapting to different connector orientations. USB Type-C connectors are reversible, meaning they can be inserted in either direction, which requires the system to correctly route signals regardless of the plug's orientation. The system includes a multiplexer that receives a signal from a USB Type-C connector and determines the plug's orientation. Based on this orientation, the multiplexer selectively routes the signal to the appropriate internal circuitry. This ensures proper signal transmission and reception, preventing misrouting that could lead to communication errors or device malfunctions. The system may also include additional components, such as a controller or orientation detection circuitry, to assist in determining the plug's orientation and configuring the multiplexer accordingly. By dynamically adjusting signal routing, the system enhances compatibility and reliability in USB Type-C connections, accommodating both standard and high-speed data transfers.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein determining an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug comprises determining an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug by detecting a type of the received signal.

Plain English Translation

A system for determining the orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug involves analyzing the type of signal received through the connector to identify its orientation. USB Type-C connectors are reversible, meaning they can be inserted in either direction, but the internal pin configuration changes based on orientation. The system detects the signal type to distinguish between the two possible orientations, ensuring proper data and power transmission. This is particularly useful in devices where automatic detection of connector orientation is required to maintain functionality without manual adjustment. The system may include a controller that processes the received signal to determine whether the connector is in a standard or flipped orientation, allowing the device to adapt its communication protocols accordingly. This solution addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable connectivity in reversible connectors by leveraging signal detection to automatically configure the system for the correct orientation. The method involves monitoring the signal characteristics to identify orientation-specific patterns, which are then used to adjust the device's interface settings. This approach eliminates the need for mechanical switches or user intervention, improving usability and reducing potential connection errors.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the device comprises one of the following: a source device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with a normal orientation; a source device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with an inverted orientation; a sink device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with a normal orientation; or a sink device coupled to a USB Type-C connector plug with an inverted orientation.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to USB Type-C connector systems, addressing the need for reliable power and data transmission in various device configurations. The system includes a device with a USB Type-C connector plug that can operate in either a normal or inverted orientation. The device may function as either a source (providing power or data) or a sink (receiving power or data). The connector plug automatically adapts to the orientation, ensuring consistent performance regardless of how it is inserted. This eliminates the need for manual reorientation and reduces connection failures. The system supports bidirectional power and data transfer, enhancing compatibility with different devices. The invention improves user experience by simplifying connections and ensuring stable operation in both source and sink roles. The design accommodates both standard and inverted plug orientations, making it versatile for various applications. The system ensures proper power delivery and data communication regardless of the device's role or the plug's orientation, improving reliability in USB Type-C connections.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the device does not comprise a PD controller.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing power distribution in an electrical network includes a device that monitors and controls power flow between a power source and a load. The device measures electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and frequency to detect imbalances or faults in the network. It then adjusts power distribution dynamically to maintain stability and efficiency. Unlike traditional systems, this device does not include a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for regulating power output. Instead, it uses alternative control methods, such as model predictive control or adaptive algorithms, to optimize performance without relying on PID feedback loops. The system is designed to handle variable power sources, including renewable energy inputs, and ensures seamless integration with existing grid infrastructure. By eliminating the PID controller, the system reduces complexity and improves responsiveness to rapid changes in power demand or supply conditions. The device also includes communication interfaces to exchange data with other grid components, enabling coordinated power management across distributed networks. This approach enhances reliability and reduces the risk of power disruptions while maintaining high efficiency in energy delivery.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. One or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media embodying software that is operable when executed to: determine a DisplayPort mode by detecting a received signal on a first sideband use (SBU1) pin of the device or a second sideband use (SBU2) pin of the device; determine an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug; and multiplex a DisplayPort transmission based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to USB Type-C connector technology, specifically addressing the challenge of dynamically configuring DisplayPort transmission based on connector orientation. The system detects the DisplayPort mode by monitoring signals received on either the SBU1 or SBU2 sideband pins of a device. It also determines the physical orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug, which can be inserted in either a standard or flipped orientation. Based on this orientation, the system multiplexes DisplayPort transmissions to ensure proper signal routing. This allows devices to automatically adapt to the connector's orientation without manual intervention, improving usability and compatibility. The software, when executed, performs these operations to enable seamless DisplayPort functionality regardless of how the USB Type-C connector is plugged in. The solution simplifies device design by eliminating the need for separate hardware configurations for different orientations, reducing complexity and cost.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The media of claim 14 , wherein detecting a received signal on a SBU1 pin of the device or a SBU2 pin of the device comprises detecting a pull up in either the SBU1 pin or the SBU2 pin.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to signal detection in electronic devices, specifically for identifying the presence of a received signal on specific pins (SBU1 or SBU2) of a device. The technology addresses the challenge of reliably detecting signals in systems where multiple pins may be used for communication, ensuring proper signal identification and processing. The invention involves detecting a pull-up condition on either the SBU1 or SBU2 pin, which indicates the presence of a received signal. The pull-up detection mechanism ensures that the device can distinguish between active and inactive states, preventing misinterpretation of signals. This method is particularly useful in systems where signal integrity and accurate detection are critical, such as in communication protocols or power management systems. The invention may also include additional steps to verify signal validity, such as checking for specific voltage levels or signal patterns, to further enhance detection accuracy. The overall solution improves signal handling in electronic devices by providing a robust and reliable detection mechanism for signals on designated pins.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The media of claim 14 , wherein the software is further operable when executed to multiplex the received signal based in part on the determined orientation of the USB Type-C connector plug.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing data transmission in a USB Type-C interface involves detecting the orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug and adjusting signal processing accordingly. The invention addresses the challenge of handling the reversible nature of USB Type-C connectors, which can be inserted in either orientation. The system includes a detection mechanism to determine the plug's orientation and a signal processing module that adapts to this orientation. The software component of the system is further configured to multiplex the received signal based on the detected orientation, ensuring proper data routing and transmission regardless of how the connector is inserted. This adaptation may involve reconfiguring signal paths, adjusting timing, or modifying data encoding to maintain reliable communication. The solution enhances compatibility and usability by automatically accommodating the reversible design of USB Type-C connectors without requiring manual intervention or additional hardware modifications. The invention is particularly useful in devices where USB Type-C is used for high-speed data transfer, power delivery, or both, ensuring consistent performance in either insertion orientation.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The media of claim 14 , wherein determining an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug comprises determining an orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug by detecting a type of the received signal.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for determining the orientation of a USB Type-C connector plug involves analyzing the type of received signal to identify the plug's orientation. USB Type-C connectors are reversible, meaning they can be inserted in either direction, but the orientation affects signal routing. The system detects the type of signal received through the connector to determine whether the plug is inserted in a standard or flipped orientation. This allows the system to correctly route data and power signals, ensuring proper communication and charging functionality. The method may involve comparing the received signal against known signal patterns associated with each possible orientation. By accurately identifying the orientation, the system can dynamically adjust signal paths to maintain compatibility with connected devices. This solution addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable signal transmission in reversible connectors, which is critical for maintaining data integrity and power delivery in modern electronic devices. The system may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both, and can be integrated into devices such as computers, smartphones, or other USB-C enabled peripherals.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 28, 2020

Inventors

Mark Edward Wentroble
Suzanne Mary Vining
Hassan Omar Ali

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “DETECTION OF DISPLAYPORT ALTERNATE MODE COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTOR PLUG ORIENTATION WITHOUT USE OF A POWER DISTRIBUTION CONTROLLER” (10545904). https://patentable.app/patents/10545904

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/10545904. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.